Dominical & Uvita

Dominical & Uvita: Between Manuel Antonio and the Osa Peninsula

Between Manuel Antonio and the Osa Peninsula‘s northern edge, the coastal highway connects a string of sleepy beach towns.

Locally known as Costa Ballena, the “Whale Coast” is visited by migrating Humpbacks twice annually: December through April and July through October.

The Marino Ballena National Park protects 272 acres of coastline and 13 acres of marine habitat for Humpbacks and Bottle-nosed dolphins.

Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles nest here from May to November.

The largest coral reef of the of the Central American Pacific Coast curves around the Three Sisters islands, supporting five types of coral, eels, sponges, and colorful fish. Snorkel and dive trips are available.

Prime Costa Rican Surfing

The towns of Dominical and Uvita are perfect bases for surfing, rafting, and whale watching trips. Dominical’s beaches are prime surf territory, with left and right breaks for all levels of ability.

Local surf schools offer lessons to get you on a board or take you to the next level.

The beaches are wide, numerous, and typically crowd-free, allowing ample room for surfers and sunbathers.

About an hour’s drive inland, Chirripó National Park can be visited as a full-day trip from Dominical during the December to March dry season.

The park’s centerpiece is the 12,530-foot Cerro Chirripó. Both oceans can be viewed from its summit.

The surrounding Talamanca Mountains are home to monkeys, tapirs, pumas, more than 400 species of birds (including quetzals), and more than 260 reptile and amphibian species.

Full-day trips to Corcovado National Park, Caño Island, and the Nauyaca Waterfalls can also be arranged from Dominical.